Ghost of Tsushima-likes Could Be Sucker Punch's Bread and Butter

Summary

Finding a winning formula in the world of video games is much easier said than done, but somehow,Ghost of Tsushimapretty much nailed it right off the bat. Though its open-world activities became a tad repetitive in its later hours,Ghost of Tsushima’s core combat mechanics were satisfying, the game’s presentation was astounding, and its story was compelling, combining to make a set of incredibly strong foundations for any potentialGhost of Tsushimasequels.

ButGhost of Tsushima’s excellent formula shouldn’t solely be used for a sequel. As FromSoftware has proven over the last decade, once a developer’s found that award-winning formula, there’s nothing wrong with using it over and over again, just as long as each new iteration has a handful of new features. With this in mind, Sucker Punch might want to use itsGhost of Tsushimaformula as much as it possibly can.

Ghost of Tsushima Tag Page Cover Art

Sucker Punch Could Live on Ghost of Tsushima-Likes

Ghost of Tsushima’s Formula Could Be Used for Limitless Settings

As explained up top,Ghost of Tsushimalaid some exceptionally strong foundations, foundations that can be used in a near-limitless number of potential settings. Following in the footsteps oftheAssassin’s Creedfranchise, Sucker Punch could adaptGhost of Tsushima’s formula to work with a plethora of different historical settings, different enemy types, and new sets of characters, with many of its mechanical foundations being broad enough to suit different in-game environments.

For instance, a core element ofGhost of Tsushima’s story and gameplay revolves around the idea that its playable character is facing off against overwhelming odds, and somehow finding a way to overcome those and push back the invading force from their homeland. There are countless real-world historical conflicts that would fit this general premise perfectly, from Ancient Goths and Scythians trying to fend offthe Persian or Roman Empireswith guerrilla tactics, to the various European nations that tried to fight back against Mongol invaders. There are plenty of settings in whichGhost of Tsushima’s formula would feel right at home.

Similarly,Jin Sakaiand his tale of reluctantly abandoning his honorable samurai ways and becoming the titular Ghost of Tsushima is one of the game’s greatest strengths, but it’s a narrative archetype that could easily fit countless other potential historical heroes. Of course, Sucker Punch would need to give each protagonist their own distinct narrative, but the general premise could be a natural throughline for any spin-offs.

Ghost of Tsushima’s Combat Suits a Variety of Fighters

Ghost of Tsushima’s combat would also suit a variety of different historical fighters. WhileGhost of Tsushima’s stanceswould probably need to change to better fit the respective historical setting and protagonist, the dodge, parry, and counter mechanics could be used across the board for just about any Sucker Punch project, just as long as the protagonist’s main weapon was a sword.

What would need to change, however, isGhost of Tsushima’s gadgets and abilities, though that would be a pretty easy alteration to make. Instead of Kunai, players would simply be given whatever throwing weapon is associated with that specific historical setting and civilization, such as throwing knives, axes, or chakrams. Jin Sakai’s Ghost abilities would also need to be tweaked a little for each new playable character, better fitting that civilization’s guerrilla tactics.